SOUTH WHITTIER — For the three incumbents — Deborah Pacheco, Tim Schneider and Sylvia Macias –stability is the main motivation for running for re-election to the South Whittier School District school board.

All three say the board needs to maintain stability and continuity as it oversees new construction projects in an ongoing district-wide modernization program and continues the momentum of academic progress seen over the past few years.

But the two challengers seeking to unseat them — or at least two of the three incumbents — Layla Avila and L.H. “Butch” Redman, say they offer a wealth of knowledge, commitment and passion for the local community.

Pacheco, 52, the board’s president, says she remains in close touch with the concerns of parents in the district, because her own three grandchildren attend South Whittier schools.

“I have an interest in what goes on in our schools,” she said. “If the community feels there is someone better to lead this district, I have no problem with that. It’s the people’s choice.

“But I feel I can represent them fairly well on the board, as far as making the same kinds of decisions they would make for their children.”

Schneider, 59, says declining enrollment will be a major issue in the years ahead, but “the bottom line is that the needs of students will be met.”

“If our (state funding) is reduced, then we reduce spending but by consolidating programs,” he said. “I want to continue what we’ve been doing so far — complete our safety plans at each school and continue the modernization work.”

Macias, 53, said the current board is also working to improve communication with parents.

“I guess I know we’ve had a parent or two say that communication isn’t good, and that’s why we’re working hard to increase that communication between parents and teachers,” she said. “The opportunity to improve is a gift.”

Avila, 32, says if she is elected, she will focus on three things — raising academic achievement; ensuring that highly qualified teachers are on staff; and working to make parents more involved and supportive of schools.

“The biggest issue we’re coming into is complying with No Child Left Behind,” she said. “In order for schools to be in compliance, we have to start making gains in our subgroups, especially English-language learners and students with disabilities.

“And that’s going to be a challenge,” she added

Redman, 62, said, the last time he ran for the school board, it was “for shock value, to let people know I’m still around.”

But this time, he added, “I’m serious.”

Redman said his priorities are improving board responsiveness to the community, setting up a plan to replace Superintendent Richard Graves once he announces his retirement, and addressing the family relationships between some South Whittier District board members and Whittier Union High School District school board members.

“The board has all its ducks in a row about teaching to the state standards, but the biggest issue is getting the board to be responsive to the community,” Redman said.

Tracy Garcia can be reached at (562) 698-0955, Ext. 3051, or by e-mail at tracy.garcia@sgvn.com.